With sophomores in their first year on varsity comprising much of the Glenbrook South girls soccer team's re-tooled defense, it didn't seem plausible for the Titans to go seven-plus games to begin the year without allowing a goal.

Yet that's exactly what transpired, until the Titans' remarkable, yet improbable string of shutouts ended with a 2-1 road loss to Loyola on April 11 in the North Shore Invite.

The scoreless streak may have been broken, but the confidence that the unit has fostered was left firmly intact.

"I wasn't freaking out, but nervous was the best way to describe how I felt before the season," Titans coach Seong Ha said. "It's been a combination of sheer will, determination and some luck. But ultimately, they've done the job."

Leading the charge have been two stabilizing senior captains — all-conference defender, Cassidy Price, and goalie Maude Tarbox.

Price, whom Ha calls the "quarterback" of the defense, teams with four sophomores to help comprise the back line, while Tarbox typically plays the first half in net before giving way to a fifth sophomore, Libbee Vanderveen.

Price and Katie Gates often work hand-in-hand as center backs, while Katie Sullivan, Caroline Hensing and Lydia Martin split duty on the outside.

"I think we've been pretty good stepping up to the plate and pulling our weight for the team," said Gates, a Glenview resident.

Despite now being a senior, Price was in the sophomores' shoes only last year, which was her first season playing varsity soccer after sitting out 2015 with a torn ACL. She recalls vividly taking direction from last year's seniors, which has helped shape her leadership style.

"The reason we're playing so well is that we believe in each other," said Price, a Glenview resident. "They (sophomores) put their trust in me, and I put my trust in them. I expect them to know what's going on and they prove it to me every time."

That measure of accountability is accompanied by open and continuous communication.

In striving to keep the four sophomores organized, Price is either gesturing toward a teammate or barking out instructions whenever the ball is anywhere near the Titans' end.

And Tarbox, who also resides in Glenview, goes even further in making sure everyone in front of her is on the same page.

"I'm pretty much screaming at them the whole game, and they listen," Tarbox said. "They're a really receptive group."

"If you get too excited or too anxious to get after the ball, the other girl's going to go right past you," Price said. "We've been stressing staying calm, take the play into consideration and then win the ball."

That's can't happen on every occasion, and when a mistake is made, it's important for no one to hang their heads.

"It's being patient as people, too," Price said. "After they (Loyola) scored, I got everyone together and said, 'It's going to happen. But let's not let that ruin us.'"

Thus far, the sophomores appear to understand their roles — both now and in the future — on the team.

"We recognize that the seniors know what we're going through for the first time," Gates said. "We'll be in that position someday, so it's been really nice making such a good foundation for the future."